Here is where I have to admit- I did not do my research before requesting this novel on NetGalley. It is the second in a series, and I’ve not read the first. However, I thoroughly loved The Elgin Conspiracy despite that and I’ve bought the first book (The Persephone Code) to read later this year! (It just may end up being one of my Christmas Eve book choices…)

This is a dual-POV novel, which I know can be somewhat contentious. I think that it works really well for a mystery where both protagonists are investigating, though- we are able to learn what both Dora and Jacob discover as they are out in the field, rather than waiting for one or the other to recount. That can often be tedious, and the two POVs make for a fast-paced story that you can’t put down.

I very much enjoyed the historical side with Byron being included. Is he the most accurate Byron in literature? Perhaps not but I thought he helped to build the story in the period perfectly. The debate around the Elgin marbles is not a new concept by any stretch, and Golding worked it in well while keeping the story moving.

The one element I was not expecting was romance. It does not take anything away from the mystery at the heart for me, but it is certainly a novel for those who don’t mind some romance in their stories. (The mystery and resulting action is the dominant theme throughout.)

All in all, I think that this series is a great choice for anyone interested in the Regency period or the British acquisition of the Elgin Marbles (and other associated pieces).

Lord Elgin has nearly bankrupted himself by divorcing his wife. In order to repair his finances he wishes to sell his 'marble' to the nation. However, the Greeks feel that they have been robbed and wish to repatriate the treasures and Napoleon is also keen to get these antiquities for his Empire. Elgin is being threatened and then one of his employees is murdered so he asks Jacob Sandys to investigate. Sandys and his partner, Dora, must try to unravel a complex plot before more people are murdered.
This is the second book in a series and I did not read the first, this meant that for the first part of the book I was catching up with characters and their relationships. however, once I had been brought up to speed I found myself enjoying a quite delightful period mystery. There is lots of Regency research, a decent streak of humour, feminism and class rights which adds up to an entertaining read.

This book set during regency times is action packed, information packed and while reading, you feel like you are actually there! It is the smasher sequel to The Persephone Code and delves deeper into the characters and relationships introduced to us in the beginning novel.

The characters are extremely likable and very human, given that their flaws are wide open for anyone to read and they do yet do not get their happily ever after. I'm glad that the complex relationship between Dora and Jacob isn't happily stuffed into a matchbox and tied with a bow in the first couple of books but rather, ready at any moment to have the match struck and have chaos reign. Authors that do that also have to create more and more drama to befall the couple but with our dashing heroes, it is almost a modern relationship and one that readers can relate to, not coasting along with smooth sailing the whole time. I love Dora's feisty and independent spirit and Jacob's understanding and loyal nature.

The plot in the book is an absolute whirlwind of historically accurate culture, happenings and facts. I didn't know half of the things that happened in the books despite being very well read on regency times. Most regency books are based around the Ton and marriage mart though. I loved the glimpse into international interest within the books and the peek into many different secret societies. I fear that if Julia Golding doesn't go after characters in the Freemasons next, there will be disappointment!
I had no idea about 'Lord Elgin's Marbles' or the dispute between countries for the claim to ancient artifacts. I had to do a lot of Googling while reading, as a matter of interest, and was delighted at the sheer amount of real and accurate information woven through the pages.

I really enjoyed this book and would like to thank Netgalley, Julia Golding and One More Chapter for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I didn't realise this was a sequel so was a bit confused by the back story which was not really explained. This book was just ok for me, while I finished it, I didn't particularly engage with the stories and found it pretty unbelievable. Didn't have the wit or charm I had hoped for.

DNFd at 25%

This book was absolutely not for me. The pacing and plot were all over the place it seemed, and really vague about current and past events that have happened. The characters would allude to or talk around something that had happened prior or was currently happening, but not explicitly state it discuss it. This makes for an extremely confusing reading experience and while I have it a fair chance ultimately I couldn’t finish the book.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc!

I just didn’t find the characters compelling. Maybe I would have if I’d read the first novel, but probably not. The setting and plot line had potential though.

As a huge fan of the regency era and novels set during this time, i had a lot to look forward to with this book, however i didnt feel an initial connection with any of the characters which made reading this one a little bit of a chore. i didnt dislike it but i wasnt captivated as hoped. Definitely hope to read more from this author though!

The Elgin Conspiracy was only so-so for me, but I think it would really work for some people! I had difficulty getting into the story and rooting for any of the characters. That could be because I dropped into this series without reading the first installment, The Persephone Code. And for my own personal preference, the romance level was higher than I enjoy. Most of these things are just the product of not the right book for the right reader, hence the 3 stars. It was a decent mystery in a well-loved setting.

ord Elgin’s Greek marbles are the talk of London society, but behind the scenes a dark and dangerous threat is closing in, intent on taking back that which was plundered. Fresh from their success in exposing the murderous Hell Fire Club, actress Dora Fitz-Pennington and ex-army doctor Jacob Sandys, are employed by the earl to go undercover and root out the culprit.

With two main characters who are so likeable, and never a dull moment, this book balances dark themes with a wry humour in a Regency setting. What a pleasure to revisit the beautiful, resourceful feisty actress Dora Fitz-Pennington's relationship with the smitten, loyal ex-army doctor, Lord Jacob Sandys when they meet again in solving the Elgin Conspiracy in Julia Golding's sequel to the Persephone Code. Politics, obsessive collectors like Lord Elgin and Sir.John Soane , a secret society, murders and puzzles are set against Britain's homefront during the Napoleonic wars giving historical context which was hugely interesting. A delicious and satisfying book.

I really tried…
I enjoy the Regency era, immersing myself in another world, feeling the atmosphere, the thrill, butterflies in the stomach, and the first signs of blossoming love.

But something was missing here. The characters didn’t captivate me—they are bland, lackluster, and dull. Their lives weren’t particularly exciting for me either—I simply expected something entirely different from what I got.

Described by author Emma Orchard as “The Regency as we’ve never seen it before,” The Elgin Conspiracy is just that. This book is an intriguing cosy mystery with romantic elements added thanks to central characters Dora Fitz-Pennington and Jacob Sandys, who team up to investigate a series of murders and threats against Lord Elgin. Set in 1812, the story swirls with the glamour of Regency London, though we also get to see some of the less appealing sides of this bustling metropolis. Dora and Jcob are joined by an eclectic group of secondary characters that allow us a broad glimpse into life at that time in history. At the same time, with murders and attempted murders taking place and few clues to either link or solve them, there is plenty going on in the plot to keep readers interested. I liked the way this story was interwoven with just enough historical fact to keep it grounded in its time and just enough possibility to keep us wondering whether, for example, there really was a Society Of Roman Knights. It’s been an enjoyable and entertaining read and I will happily read Julie Golding’s books again.

Unusual investigative partners actress Dora and army surgeon Javob are hired to find out who murdered Lord Elgins assistant. There's a lot of history around the marbles and multiple people fighting to claim it, the Greeks, the Brits, Napoleon and forgeries. Dora and Jacob have to work through all these intrigues to find the killer. A great read.

#netgalley #TheElginConspiracy

Having enjoyed Dora and Jacob's first adventure, this one is even better as the protagonists are familiar and likeable. The story begins with an atmospheric scene full of menace. The reader is reintroduced to Jacob and Dora, who are now a couple of sorts and anticipating solving another mystery together. I like the dynamic between Dora and Jacob and their evident passion for each other. The storytelling is peppered with historical details, and the mystery is twisty. Including well-known historical characters and events adds authenticity. The cast of characters is diverse, and all are flawed and relatable. It is addictive once you start reading, and the ending is action-packed and satisfying. I enjoyed the historical setting, solving the mystery and the characters.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

This is an entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of likeable and interesting characters which can easily be read as a standalone story. as I did having missed the first book somehow. I will be going back to read the first. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A regency romance with mystery and adventure. This is the second book in the Regency Secrets series. I was unaware so I haven't read The Persephone Code (yet!). I wasn't lost so I feel The Elgin Conspiracy works as a standalone. I will read the first book though as I enjoyed the writing style and would love to read more along these lines.

This sequel to “The Persephone Code” is a fabulous mix of historical, mystery, and romance. Secrets, assassins, and much-coveted Greek marble make for a riveting tale.

Hired by the owner of the famous Elgin marbles, Jacob and Dora once again find themselves embroiled in the search for a murderer, with French spies and Scottish lairds as their suspects.

It was lovely to see the continuation of Jacob and Dora's relationship with its struggles of class and personality clashes, as well as delve into the controversy surrounding the appropriation of Greek relics during the Napoleonic Wars.

A troubling acquisition!

The tale moves smartly. A fascinating look at these times in London and an interesting plot yet for some reason I dragged my feet reading this. If I’d read the first in series parts of the story might have been more enlightening.
It seems some of the marbles are not as genuine as they’re thought to be.
Investigative partners actress Dora have been Fitz-Pennington and former army doctor Jacob Sandys have been hired by Lord Elgin to find out who murdered his assistant Richard Brookings, an expert in marbles.
Their task becomes more complicated by Greek nationalists fighting for the return of the marbles, Napoleon having designs on them, and the prospect of some of the marbles being frauds. Lord Byron is in the mix, as are others of the aristocracy.
Trouble surely follows!
The Elgin marbles! 200 years or more later and Greece is still trying to repatriate them.
High handed British imperialism has a lot to answer for!

A Harper Collins UK ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

May 1812 Ex-army surgeon Dr Jacob Sandys and actress Dora Fitz-Pennington are employed by Lord Elgin as he believes he is being threatened. Is it because of the Marbles or is it his ex-wife. Or is there another reason.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of likeable and interesting characters which can easily be read as a standalone story.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I read the first book by Julia Golding, The Persephone Code, which I enjoyed immensely, and was really pleased to be given the opportunity to read the follow up.

Lord Elgin approaches Dora and Jacob as an associate of his has been killed and threatening letters have been sent, is it to do with the marbles that have been brought back from Greece or could it be connected to his first wife and her new husband.

Enjoyable on the whole, not sure it had the charm of the first book, was a little heavy going in parts but still a good read.

Would recommend